Dental Assistant Responsibilities:
Preparing patients for dental work.
Helping with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting with dental procedures.
Assisting dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary.
Assisting dental hygienists with procedures when necessary.
Providing great patient care.
Recording treatment information in patient records.
Exposing dental x-rays from dental diagnostics and caring for dental x-ray equipment.
Giving patients information on dental hygiene, oral health care, and plaque control programs.
Collecting and recording medical and dental histories and patient vital signs.
Providing postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.
Caring for dental equipment.
Forming preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
Ordering dental supplies and maintaining dental equipment inventory.
Fabricating temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
Front Desk.
Greeting visitors: Welcoming guests and directing them to the right person or office
Answering phones: Answering and making calls for employees, taking messages, and redirecting calls
Handling mail: Receiving, sorting, and distributing mail, as well as preparing outgoing mail
Managing the reception area: Keeping the front desk tidy and presentable, and ensuring it has all the necessary materials
Scheduling meetings: Updating calendars and scheduling meeting rooms
Maintaining records: Keeping office records up to date and files organized
Performing administrative tasks: Faxing, transcribing, photocopying, and filing
Managing finances: Monitoring office expenses and costs, and taking payments from clients
Providing customer service: Addressing questions and complaints, and ensuring visitors have a welcoming experience
